This calendar of saints is drawn from several denominations, sects, and traditions. Although it will no longer be updated daily, the index on the right will guide visitors to a saint celebrated on any day they choose. Additional saints will be added as they present themselves to Major.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

September 19 -- Feast of Saint Trophimus and Companions

Interlocked Deaths of Roman Christians

Three Amici -- Happy Chappies in Snappy Serapes

Trophimus and Sabbatius were selected by the Emperor
Probus as his legates to Antioch, Pisidia. There, they witnessed the
rather brutal enforcement of his command that all citizens should offer
sacrifices to the traditional Roman gods. I use traditional in a rather
loose sense, since the Romans had been adding gods to their pantheon
ever since Romulus and Remus were pups.

Somewhat
shocked by both the unflinching cruelty of the torturers and the
unyielding faith of the Christians, they did a little investigation. As
if to bear out the Emperor's fears, this brief glance at the forbidden
faith proved irresistible, and before long they too were in the dock.
Sabbatius didn't last long under the torturer's lash.

T and D on the left, Sabbatius on the right, Death throughout

Killing average citizens who've embraced a forbidden
faith is one thing, but killing an imperial legate is another. The wise
folks in charge of Antioch quickly palmed the living legate off on the
prison at Synnada, where he met a senator named Dorymedon was locked
up. The two Christians probably had a chance to share a bowl of chili
and half a pack of cigs before they were taken into the yard and told to
sacrifice to Castor and Pollux. The choice of these particular gods --
twin brothers whose fraternal devotion transcended death itself -- was
interesting. Tested together, they were able to reinforce each other's
faith and condemn themselves to death. Death at the paws and claws of
wild beasts.

As usual, the beasts declined to play their part so soldiers had to decapitate the saints.